Professional Organizations

American Association of GeographersThe Association of American Geographers (AAG) is a nonprofit scientific and
educational society founded in 1904. For 100 years the AAG has contributed to
the advancement of geography. Its members from more than 60 countries share
interests in the theory, methods, and practice of geography, which they
cultivate through the AAG's Annual Meeting, two scholarly journals (Annals of
the Association of American Geographers and The Professional Geographer), and
the monthly AAG Newsletter.

Complete College America!Established in 2009, Complete College America is a national nonprofit working to significantly increase the number of Americans with a college degree or credential of value and to close attainment gaps for traditionally underrepresented populations. The organization was founded to focus solely on dramatically increasing the nation’s college completion rate through state policy change, and to build consensus for change among state leaders, higher education, and the national education policy community.

Digital QuestDigital Quest is a Mississippi-based development and training oriented company. Our primary focus is enabling educational institutions to provide skill training in the new and ever-more vital field of Geospatial Technology. Through our partnerships with organizations such as SPACESTARS, Environmental Systems Research Institute, (ESRI) NASA, SkillsUSA and others, we are able to deliver complete turn-key courses which can be taught by instructors with little or no previous GIS knowledge, and which can provide entry-level GIS technician certification to its students. Digital Quest runs the STARS Geo Apprenticeship Program through the US Department of Labor, the SkillsUSA National Geospatial competition, and the SPACESTARS teacher training Laboratory at the Center of Geospatial Center of Excellence in NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center.

GeoVista Center Penn State GeoVISTA's specific mission is to coordinate integrated and innovative research in Geographic Information Science (GIScience), with an emphasis on geovisualization. The focus is on developing powerful human-centered methods and technologies that allow scientists and decision makers to solve scientific, social, and environmental problems through computer-supported, visually-enabled analysis of the growing wealth of geospatial data.

Spatial Data Knowledge PortalAt the invitation of the University of Redlands, a number of researchers, experts and practitioners joined the SDS Knowledge Portal research effort in early 2008, participating in two collaborative workshops and providing individual contributions. An informal SDS Consortium was formed in May 2008. The content of this Knowledge Portal reflects the collective effort of the SDS Consortium members. Although the Portal is still in development, we hope that our work provides a good theoretical and methodological foundation for its future growth.

The Geospatial Information & Technology Association (GITA)The Geospatial Information & Technology Association (GITA) is the professional association and leading advocate for anyone using geospatial technology to help operate, maintain, and protect the infrastructure, which includes organizations such as utilities, telecommunication companies, and the public sector. Through industry-leading conferences—along with research initiatives, chapters, membership, and other programs—GITA provides education and professional best practices.

Urban Regional Information Systems Association (URISA)Founded in 1963, URISA - The Association for GIS Professionals - is a leading provider of learning and knowledge for the GIS community. URISA connects great ideas and great people to inspire leadership and achievement. We strive to provide exceptional educational experiences, a vibrant and connected community, and the essential resources you need to be successful in your career. URISA is a multidisciplinary association where professionals from all parts of the spatial data community come together to share concerns and ideas.